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Author: Herman Pieters

Garden Route District Municipality attracts investment of R1-billion

Since the first Garden Route Investment Conference was held on 7 and 8 March 2018, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has been in various promising engagements with domestic and foreign investors. First of many negotiations has already secured an R1-billion investment in Garden Route, accompanied by 3000 jobs over the next five years. This follows after the GRDM Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ikusasa Processing Engineering Consultants (Pty) Ltd on 28 August 2018. A report to the GRDM Council unpacked the conditions relating to a long-term lease of one of GRDM’s properties next to PetroSA to Ikusasa who will erect a Chemical Plant that will support the timber, water and textile sectors. Currently, in its design phase, the project will be implemented after a few weeks. It is envisaged that the factory will be fully operational by the end of 2019.

Sod-turning symbolising the birth of an initiative which will bring a positive change to the Garden Route. Pictured, FLTR: Mr Khakhaza Mhlauli ( CEO – Ikusasa Process Engineering Consultants, Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water), Cllr Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Cllr Rosina Ruiters (GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor) and Mr Monde Stratu (GRDM Municipal Manager).

A Sod-Turning Ceremony was held on 28 September 2018 at the property. During the ceremony, Cllr Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor explained: “GRDM is in partnership with Mossel Bay Local Municipality and by working together, we are going to use the law to fast-track the process. We have seen other economic developments in Kouga, Richard’s Bay, Saldanha – now is the time for development to happen here”.

Mayor Booysen also talked about the regional landfill site which will soon be constructed in the same piece of land. He mentioned that these developmentswould benefit mostly people around the area.

The key stakeholders invited to witness this ceremony included Mossel Bay Municipality, PetroSA,  the Mossel Bay Port and Private Sector Partners and they will all play a pivotal role in the success of the project.

Key Stakeholders at the Sod-Turning Ceremony: Mr Lee Norman (Ikusasa Chairman), Mr Andrew Theunissen (Director – Ikusasa Process Engineering Consultants, Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water), Cllr Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Cllr Harry Levendal (Mossel Bay Executive Mayor) and Mr Shadrack Tshikalange (Transnet Mossel Bay Port Manager)

With the site being positioned next to PetroSA, it will have many advantages. A close working relationship and the supply of products which are specific to PetroSA will be developed. Exports and imports via the Transnet Mossel Bay Port, less than 10km from the site, will have a positive effect on the economy and jobs. The N2 is also strategically connecting the site to other parts of the region. As this project grows, it could see Mossel Bay recognised as a special economic zone that will become an industrial hub of the Western Cape and South Africa.

According to Mr Nicholas Rankumar ( Director – Ikusasa Process Engineering Consultants), the “long-term vision for Ikusasa is to expand and scale the chemical plant into a world-class production facility”. He also said that there is “great potential to develop the Mossel Bay area into an export-hub.”

Cllr Harry Levendal, Mossel Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, welcomed the development and said: “This is a first of big thing that will happen in Mossel Bay. If you believe that something will happen and you go for it – it will happen. We cannot sit and wait for things to happen. I am thankful for Garden Route DM for their efforts to attract investment to the area”.

The group of dignitaries who witnessed the Sod-Turning Ceremony. Stakeholders include GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality, Ikusasa, Transnet Mossel Bay Port and PetroSA.

Special Council Meeting Currently Underway at GRDM

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 29 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998, of a Special Council meeting that will be held in the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George on Monday, 1 October 2018 at 11:00 to consider the items as set out in the agenda.

AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE:
– Report on a proposal to host a Garden Route Golf Championship in association with the Ernie Else Autism Foundation.
– Annual Deviation Report – Implementation of the Supply Chain Management Policy for the period 01 July 2017 – 30 June 2018.
– Report on the amended Travel and Subsistence Policy.
– Report on the Progress made with the establishment of the Garden Route District Municipality as a Water Services Authority.
– Report on an invitation to Indonesia from 06 – 11 September 2018 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
– Report on an invitation to Dubai, Peru and Chile.

#GardenRoute #GRDM #Council #SpecialCouncil

Severe Weather Alert (7-8 September 2018)

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT (ORANGE)
Level 5 Warning for RAIN for 7-8 September 2018.
 
The main areas to be affected will be:
  • Mossel Bay (LM)
  • George (LM)
  • Knysna (LM); and
  • Bitou (LM)
Please note that the YELLOW Level 3 Warning for RAIN issued yesterday remains in place for Hessequa Municipality for 7-8 September.
 
The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre in collaboration with the South African Weather Service will be monitoring the progress of this storm, please activate your local severe weather contingency arrangements and keep the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre updated of any severe weather-related incidents.
 
For emergencies contact 044 805 5071

Anti-Corruption Pledge Signed

An Anti Corruption Pledge was signed by the Garden Route DM Acting Speaker, Cllr Barend Groenewald. Pictured on the left is Mr Siphiwe Dladla, Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Mayor.

Government Departments situated in the Garden Route District hosted an Anti-Corruption Pledge Campaign, where Political Principles and Senior Government officials from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, Correctional Services, George Municipality, South African Police Services and the Garden Route District Municipality participated and signed a pledge as part of Government’s ongoing fight to root out corruption.

Government encourages all South Africans to sign a pledge to be a responsible and honest citizen, and to undertake to:

  • neither pay nor take bribes;
  • obey the law and encourage others around me to obey the law and to treat public resources respectfully;
  • neither abuse any public money entrusted to my care, nor any position I hold as a public servant; and to
  • act with integrity in all my dealings with government; and always remember that public resources are intended for the benefit of the public, not for private gain.